Beauty for Ashes

By Nina Keegan

So God blessed the Latter part of Job's life more than the former. Job 42:12

The long and winding security line at the airport seemed to be holding steadfast in a complete standstill. The international terminals seemed to take quite a bit longer than domestic; and I could sense growing frustration and impatience in many fellow travelers as we baby-stepped our way through the winding line.

This trip would be very significant for me. You see, a few months ago I finalized a very long, difficult, and tumultuous divorce that left me feeling sucker-punched (to say the very least). Feelings of abandonment, betrayal and pain sped through the most diabolical year I have ever faced. Daily were the constant arrows and fiery darts aimed recklessly and with acute accuracy at my already scorched heart and soul. As these prolific bullets clamored to extinguish any last morsel of peace, I would receive a word, a prayer, a call, a voice, a standout scripture... all imploring me to trust God and not give up or give in. I would read promises of restoration, peace, joy and double portion of blessing. I would stand on these promises that in the natural seemed impossible and intangible, and let them consume me.

Coincidentally, and even more significant was the fact that I just-so-happened to be flying on my birthday. There was just something very metaphoric about that to me. I was jetting off (in a sense) to that latter part of my life; forgetting what lies behind and looking forward to all the future blessings God had been stock-piling for me - the pile containing my beauty for ashes and the double portion for all the enemy tried to steal from me. I had a new hope and new excitement knowing that God was in charge and so brilliantly faithful. He was knitting me back together. But when He restores, He always multiplies. God is good all the time! James 1:16-18

And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Finally, after a 10-plus hour flight, I arrived in Scotland. The beauty of this land is unmatched in the glorious creativity of our Heavenly Father. Breathe! Time to breathe! This was it... I felt the promises of God everywhere saying, "Here you go my daughter! This will be a time of restoration and rejuvenation."

My travels this trip also took me to London, the English countryside, and to Paris. I was joined sometimes by my amazing sons and sometimes by my wonderful friends. God's peace was in every laugh, tear, train, plane, cab and every glorious croissant or cafe au lait. As I gazed upon the city of Paris from the summit of the Eiffel Tower, I gasped as I perhaps could visualize God smiling His radiant love.

I am reminded that we sometimes must go through the tough times in life to get to the good stuff. God has to prune things away from our lives that rob us of all He has for us. The Bible says that we must share in God's suffering that we might also share in His glory. We are never immune to heartache, to trials or devastation. But what we do have is a Loving Father who will never leave us! His blessings have no deadline, no expiration date. They are infinite, endless and beyond comprehension. He will perfect ALL of our concerns.

Action Steps

Speak victory over your life, rise above your circumstances and surrender it all with praise and thanksgiving. Let all that hurts you be covered forever in the blood of Jesus! Through His blood shed - We Win!! He always causes us to be victorious; even when it seems utterly impossible. He is the God of possible! God is who He says He is. Hold On. Your Good is coming and your BEST days are still out in front of you. Receive it!